NRHA's product knowledge training
programs for employees are designed
to give store associates the information they need to be productive right from the
start. We offer training programs in core hardware and building materials categories
and it's free to all NRHA members.

Contracts to Buy Homes Rose Sharply in May

June 30, 2011

The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes rose sharply in May, pushed higher by an influx of spring buying, reported the Associated Press.

The National Association of Realtors said that its index of sales agreements for previously occupied homes rose 8.2 percent last month, to a reading of 88.8. That followed April's seven-month low of 82.1.

A reading of 100 is considered healthy by economists. The last time the index reached that level was in April 2010, the final month when buyers could qualify for a federal tax credit. Signings are now 17 percent above June's reading of 75.9, the lowest figure since the housing market went bust nearly four years ago.